Gluten-free food refers to food items that do not contain gluten, a type of protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and hybrids of these grains. The purpose of gluten-free diets is to avoid triggering adverse reactions in individuals with gluten-related disorders, such as celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy. People following a gluten-free diet need to ensure that their food does not contain any gluten ingredients or any cross-contamination from gluten￾containing products.